This service town is a typically cheerful Asturian centre, with plenty of places to stay, and some top sidrerías in which to drink and eat. Its highlight is a superb medieval bridge across the Río Sella with an alarmingly steep cobbled arch. It’s at its best when eerily floodlit at night; locals inaccurately name it the Puente Romano (Roman bridge). Also of interest is the Ermita de Santa Cruz, just across the other river (the Güeña), a tiny 15th-century chapel, which has fifth-century origins and was built over a dolmen; the key can be collected from the tourist office.
After his victory at Covadonga , Pelayo set up base here and Cangas proudly claims to be the first capital of Christian Spain as a result. A statue of a very rugged Pelayo stands defiantly outside the church, a 20th-century construction with indiano and Italian influences visible in its three-storey belltower. There are many indiano buildings in town; a good number of eastern Asturians left to seek their fortunes in the New World.
If you're looking for a quiet place to relax and soak in the culture of Northern Spain, Cangas de Onis is the place to go.
Nestled in the Picos de Europa mountains this quaint village along the Rio Sella (Sella River), Cangas de Onis is the perfect stop to do some hiking, biking, swimming, and relaxing.
Hotel Puente Romano is a reasonably priced place to stay in Cangas. Situated right on the Rio Sella it has an amazing view of the puente (bridge) that is the trademark and most photographed site in this mountain village. If you are feeling extra adventurous join young and old in jumping off the bridge into the river.
Cangas de Onis is not your typical American tourist stop. While many Spaniards vacation here, I would advise brushing up on your Spanish as VERY few people speak English.
There are many excursion companies along the main street of Cangas. Here you can book canoe trips, guided hikes, and ATV rides. Prices vary so it is best to walk around and compare the different places.
I signed up for a 12 mile canoe trip and a partially guided 9 mile hike. Both were great experiences where I was able to soak up what the Picos de Europa mountains have to offer. The best way to describe these mountains is to say they are splendidly tranquil; not to mention, the beauty is inspiring.
Cangas de Onis has many places to eat that fit all budgets. There are 2 markets to buy fresh produce and any other supplies needed to make your own meals. Note: the markets are closed on Monday.
Sidra, an apple wine, is the favorite in this region of Spain. There are many establishments in Cangas de Onis to enjoy this local beverage.
My favorite "hang out" in Cangas was a little bar called Ca'Melan. This little spot had very inexpensive vino tinto (red wine) and served tapas with each drink order. The service was excellent, and the best part was I could get free WIFI. I spent each evening there sipping wine, snacking, and writing...perfectly priceless.
If you're looking for a wild party atmoshphere Cangas de Onis is not your destination. However, if you are looking for a simple time to just "be" and see what mother nature has to offer I whole heartedly recommend this jewel.
Cangas is well connected by land routes, sea and air. By road, the most important communication channel is laCG4.1 that connects the region with the A9. An alternative is the N-551, which makes the same route along the coast. By boat, a trip is highly recommended because it offers the opportunity to see Cangas and Vigo from Antibes boats leave every half hour from these two, making the journey in about 20 minutes. In summer boats also come to the Cies Islands. If you want is to sleep, knowing that no large hotel chains, so that all accommodations are "local", but usually very well. One of the best known in the area and the most recommended is the Hostel and Apartments Rodeiramar2A. It is a family business steeped in tradition, which give you much information on places to see and where to eat and stuff. A Cangas you can go all year round, and low season prices are much better and the fish and seafood you can buy a super low price, hehe.
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